By Anselm Noronha

The Spaniard admitted that his side didn’t play as per their plan but was happy to get the result in their favour…

Sporting Clube de Goa registered a 1-0 victory over Dempo SC last weekend and are placed second on the standings table.

Oscar Bruzon was pleased that his team are in the top two but added that their objective was to finish in the top five come the end of the season.

“This 21-point finish is very good for Sporting in the first leg, but now we can't afford to go back. We need to keep being in the top five. It's only two games and then it's a break. So we are not thinking beyond Shillong Lajong and United Sports. If we win the next two games, then we can think of more ambitious objectives.”

Bruzon admitted that things didn’t go as planned for his team and that the ‘beautiful’ brand of football he professes wasn’t on display either.

“Today was a very tough game. Dempo were very clever in trying to win the battle in the midfield. Actually my plan was opposite - I thought that Dempo would be strong on the wings, but they changed. So in the first half, I feel it was a very good fight.

“It was not beautiful football. Again, a very tactical game and in the second half, I think we took care of that. We were better and then with the penalty, the game was decided. The game could have gone in favour of both sides. It was very competitive and equal. So, of course, I'm very happy.”

Victorino Fernandes came in for Boima Karpeh in the 83rd minute and was involved in a couple of attacking forays.

“It's the second time that he's doing that. He comes in during the last 10 minutes and he stops the game with his runs. In the last two games, Victorino is not doing as much as I wanted, but anyway he is doing perfect work.”

Bruzon mentioned that Dempo didn’t allow his side to play with their usual flair and that he motivated his players at half-time not to relax against the youngsters of the Golden Eagles.

“I was very impressed with Dempo. I told the guys that Dempo were going to come with confidence with their young players and no foreigners. So I was worried that our players could relax. I told my boys at half-time that we were playing with an excellent team and I only have good words for them.

“I am very surprised that they made a good game which for us was very difficult. Possession is beautiful, but today was a tough match and we can also win without seeing much of the ball.”

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